With winter driving up electricity costs, a closer look at what specific appliances actually cost to run — from heated towel rails to electric blankets — and where the savings are.
Winter means higher power bills for most New Zealand households. But how much are individual appliances actually costing you, and where are the biggest opportunities to cut back?
New analysis from RNZ has broken down some of the numbers, drawing on research from Consumer NZ and energy comparison platform Powerswitch.
Hot water: the biggest slice
Hot water accounts for about a third of the average household's power bill, making it the single largest component. How you heat and use that water matters financially.
Powerswitch general manager Paul Fuge said households on time-of-use power plans could save by shifting high-consumption activities — including showering — to off-peak hours. Fuge said he sets his own hot water cylinder to heat only after 10pm, which is sufficient for his family's morning showers.
Heat pump hot water cylinders carry higher upfront installation costs, though some banks offer interest-free loans for them. The running costs can be lower over time, depending on usage patterns and the household's existing setup.
Heat pumps: on/off versus running low
The question of whether to leave a heat pump running at a low temperature versus switching it on and off depends largely on how draughty your home is.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) adviser Gareth Gretton said for most New Zealand houses — which tend to be relatively draughty — switching the heat pump on only when needed is likely to be cheaper. Running a heat pump continuously at low output in a draughty home mostly vents the warmth outside, he said.
A practical middle option is to preheat the home an hour before you arrive or wake up, rather than running the heat pump continuously. Setting living area temperatures between 18°C and 22°C is typically sufficient for comfort while keeping costs manageable.
Cleaning the heat pump filter regularly helps it run more efficiently, and keeping curtains closed after sunset helps retain heat, reducing the workload on the heating system.
Five ways to save power according to Consumer NZ and Powerswitch.
Heated towel rails and electric blankets
Heated towel rails get a reputation for being expensive, but Consumer NZ estimates an 80-watt unit running all day costs about 61 cents per day — roughly $3.50 per week.
Electric blankets are relatively inexpensive to run at about 4 cents per hour. The practical approach is to switch the blanket on to warm the bed before you get in, then turn it off once you're settled.
The standby drain
Appliances left on standby can quietly add to your bill. Consumer NZ found some printer models were costing around $23 per month in standby mode. Some microwaves were consuming enough to add roughly $14 per year to a power bill.
Switching these devices off at the wall when not in use redirects that electricity use toward something more useful — like boiling the kettle.
The wider picture
These cost-cutting tips operate against a backdrop of structurally higher power prices in New Zealand. The Energy Minister has previously said new generator rules are intended to put downward pressure on bills longer term, though the timing and scale of any relief remains subject to regulatory process.
Understanding where your electricity budget actually goes is a practical starting point for making informed choices about what to change.
This article is for general information only and is not personalised financial advice. Seek advice from a licensed financial adviser (registered on the FSPR) for guidance specific to your situation.